For the 98th Episode of Immigration MIC, we return to SUNY Old Westbury with the Undocumented Student Alliance (@ow.usa) for a LIVE episode! Dr. Laura Anker, Distinguished Service Professor of SUNY Old Westbury’s American Studies Department and immigration historian joins us for a candid conversation on her role in mentoring and advocating for undocumented students on campus and on the East End of Long Island. She tells personal anecdotes about her family’s immigrant background and makes historical parallels to todays political climate, and doesn’t mince words on the Trump administration’s adverse impact on our nation. In this highly engaging conversation, Dr. Anker discusses current happenings such as the impact of the “public charge” rule, and instances in which colleges can step up to protect their undocumented students. Erica Rojas of the Undocumented Student Alliance then joins us for an important conversation about her motivation in advocating for accessibility in higher education for students. Erica takes us through her powerful journey from Mexico to the US, which she describes in glimpses and her experiences growing up on Long Island. Erica describes powerful moments in her life, which include coming to terms with her immigration status because of a class trip to DC, being placed in a difficult position with her education, and eventually how she enrolled at SUNY Old Westbury. A bright, hard working, and optimistic young woman, Erica hopes to graduate in the future and become an educator — but also expresses concern with being able to achieve that goal with the current political moment. Thank you once again to the Undocumented Student Alliance for bringing the podcast back to SUNY Old Westbury, and as always, I look forward to continue building with community with you all, for our region of Long Island.